Bought a new truck but.......

Hidebinder · April 12, 2014

..a 2014 Silverado 1500 and never having any experience with On Star or TPMS I have a curious situation. I noticed that the TPMS indicated 39 psi but the label on the door jam stated tire pressure should be 35 psi. I checked the tire pressure and it was 41-42 psi. Well, I figured the accuracy of the system must be questionable so I checked the tire pressure with three other gauges and they all indicated the tire pressure was excessive so I deflated the tires to the 35 psi. Now I get a low tire pressure warning on the TPMS and on my account page of On Star. What's going on here? I have only had this truck for a week, I hope this is not an indication of electrical nightmares to come. If anyone here has the magic answer in dealing with TPMS it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

....Doug.

Bob D · April 12, 2014

Google "chevy tpms calibrate"

You'll find a bunch-o links, as here:

http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=254981

MaverickZ71 · April 12, 2014

When did you test your tire pressures? The pressures listed on the doorjamb decals are "cold" pressures. In other words, you should test your tire pressure first thing in the morning before the warm sun shines on your tires or you drive anywhere. If you can't do that, add 1 psi for every 10 degrees the current temp is above the nighttime low temp. Also, if you've driven more than one mile, add at least 1 more psi. These truck tires gain some pressure when they've been in the hot sun and/or driving at higher speeds. I've seen mine go from a cold reading of 35-36 to 39-42 when hot. (Which is why some people run nitrogen in their tires--it doesn't expand/contract so much). If you air them down to 35psi when they're hot, you'll get the low pressure warning in the Driver Info Center and your OnStar monitoring report when the temp is cooler. If you're convinced this is not what is causing your problem, your GM dealer can use a scanner to test/calibrate your TPMS system under warranty.

GMCustomerService · April 12, 2014

Hi DougP,

We are sorry to hear that you are having concerns with your new truck. Have you brought this to the attention of your dealership? We'd be happy to document and look further into these concerns. If you'd like our assistance, please shoot us a PM here on the site.

Sincerely,

Andraya R.

GM Customer Care

waumo1 · April 12, 2014

Google "chevy tpms calibrate"

You'll find a bunch-o links, as here:

http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=254981

That does not recalibrate the TPMS PSI readings, it just relearns the sensors to the tires current location or syncs a different set of TPMS sensors to the vehicle. I heard the "air out" method does not work on any truck newer than 2010 but it does work on my 2011.

Cowpie · April 13, 2014

Anyone have any idea on how to disable the TPMS system? I have never been a fan.

kstruckcountry · April 13, 2014

Very easy to do. Drill 3 more holes in your spare and put all 4 sensors in it.

efritz · April 13, 2014

Or even easier, take PVC pipe rated for at least 100 psi, put them all in it and glue and cap the ends of the pipe, drill a hole at one end and put a valve stem in it, fill it to 40 psi and zip tie it securely under the hood. No more TPMS, handy for aftermarket rims.

MikeNH · April 13, 2014

I don't think that will work. I believe the sensors are "woken up" by motion. Maybe letting the pipe roll around on the cab floor would work but securing it may still cause an error.

Hidebinder · April 13, 2014

Well, I was able to tweak the tire pressures so that every thing is fine now. I did originally check the tire pressures later in the afternoon so rechecked them yesterday in the morning as suggested above and also took into consideration the gauge hysteresis and was able to bring everything to spec. Still curious as to why the tires were over serviced from the factory. I like the idea of having a TPMS if it remains dependable and accurate.

Thanks for all of your replies and expertise.

.....Doug.

Hidebinder · April 13, 2014

Well, everything is fine now. I had originally checked the tire pressures in the late afternoon and decided to tweak the pressures yesterday morning and taking into consideration the gauge hysteresis was able to bring everything into spec. I like the idea of having a TPMS as long as it remains dependable. Still kind of curious as to why the tires were over serviced from the factory though.

Thanks for all of your replies and expertise.

....Doug.